US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews as Xi arrived in the US for a state visit. The unusual airport welcome came as the two leaders are expected to discuss trade, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, rare earth exports and major security issues during their bilateral talks.

A Rare Airport Welcome

Trump’s decision to greet Xi at the airport marked a break from the usual practice as visiting foreign leaders are normally received by the Chief of Protocol, Vice President or a Cabinet official, while the formal welcome takes place later at the White House. According to C-SPAN, this was the first time in 11 years that a US president had personally welcomed a foreign leader at Joint Base Andrews.

The previous example was on August 15, 2025, when Trump greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, before their summit. As per reports, the arrival ceremony included a gun salute and the national anthems of the United States and China.

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 B-1 Bombers Fly Overhead

Trump and Xi, along with their wives, shook hands, spoke briefly and posed for photographs. A military band played during the ceremony, while cannons were fired. A notable moment was noticed when two B-1 bombers flew overhead as the US national anthem played during the welcome ceremony. Xi appeared visibly composed, while Trump was seen saluting and First Lady Melania Trump stood with her hand over her heart.

What's On Agenda?

Xi’s visit is a reciprocal trip following Trump’s visit to China earlier in the year. The two leaders are expected to discuss major economic and geopolitical issues. A key issue is likely to be the extension of the two countries’ trade truce. Earlier on Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two sides had reached a deal to extend it. The discussions will also focus on artificial intelligence, critical minerals, rare earth exports and regional security issues, including Taiwan, Iran and Ukraine.

Xi Calls For Cooperation

Ahead of the visit, in a written statement released by the Chinese embassy, Xi said, "China and the United States should be partners, not rivals." Xi also expressed confidence that the visit would "yield fruitful results, enhancing the well-being of both peoples and adding hope for world peace", according to Xinhua.

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